A man who called out ambulance staff 73 times in the space of eight months has been banned from dialling 999.

Derek Sergeant, 51, from Blackburn, threatened and abused paramedics sent to help him or simply ran away.

He was handed a two-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) by Blackburn Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

It bans Mr Sergeant, of Dunoon Drive, from contacting the emergency services or dialling 999 - unless there is a genuine need to do so.

Lancashire Police said paramedics were called out to deal with him 73 times between 19 March and 13 November 2010.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) estimated that the cost of dealing with Mr Sergeant was £14,000.

Saves lives

Lancashire Police were contacted in October and established the pattern of his behaviour before applying for the Asbo.

Officers said they wanted to protect the emergency services and staff and ensure that resources were directed to people who were most in need.

Pc Louise Briggs, Shadsworth community beat manager, said: "Intimidating and violent behaviour towards the emergency services will not be tolerated.

"It is worrying to think someone might have suffered further injury as a result of his behaviour.

"The ambulance service provides a vital public service and its core business is saving people's lives.

"Sergeant's actions are preventing others from getting the medical attention they need and I hope this order will bring an end to his appalling behaviour."

Under the terms of his Asbo, Mr Sergeant is prohibited from:

Being abusive, insulting, threatening, or violent towards any person in the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council area. This includes behaviour directed at members of the emergency and national health services

Being drunk in a public place in the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council area

From contacting the emergency services or dialling 999 unless there is a genuine need to do so